by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Carlos Osorio of the Associated Press
The Utah Jazz (11-18) takes on the Toronto Raptors (11-17) in final game before Christmas.
What to Look For
Utah is starting to find their footing on the road as they have won two of their last four road games after going 1-11. For Toronto, their home games seem to be a coin flip as they have an even 8-8 record at home this season. With the fearsome front court of Toronto, Walker Kessler will be tested on his defensive tenacity even as he’s third in the league averaging 2.8 blocks per game. Having Kessler clogging the paint, this might be g a game where O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. shine. Though both Anunoby and Trent Jr. average a combined 25.7/6.3/4.2, Trent Jr. has been trending upward while Anunoby has been trending downward over the last three games. Having Kessler as a threat in the paint, this game is the perfect recipe for both Anunoby and Trent Jr. to get back on track.
Key of the Game
On Ball Defense. Though Toronto is currently sitting under .500, Toronto has one of the top assisting teams in the league. Led by Dennis Schroder with 6.8 assists per game, Toronto has three players that are averaging around five assists per game. Along with Schroder, Scottie Barnes and Paskal Siakam can prove to be a problem for Utah if they find clear passing lanes early. Even with Schroder’s high assist average, his AST/TO ratio is an astonishing 3.9 per game. Especially with Utah being last in the league in turnovers (16.0), Toronto may have additional opportunities to facilitate the ball with Schroder running point.
With the help of guys like Ochai Agbaji and Kris Dunn on the perimeter, Utah should be able to apply some pressure that should hopefully lead to turnovers and potentially points in transition.
Injury Report
Toronto – Christian Koloko (illness) Out
Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Keyonte George (foot) Out, Talen Horton-Tucker (foot) Questionable, Micah Potter (G League) Out
Where to Watch
Tip-of will be at 5:30 p.m. on KJZZ and Jazz+.
The Hive Sports 
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